Best Bets: Indy Live, Nov 15-21
The music of The Clash will be performed at this year’s Tonic Ball
INDY TOP 10 LIVE: NOV 15-21, 2007
Weekly best bets for the Indianapolis music lover. The Indy Top 10 Live is compiled by a selection panel of local print, radio, and internet journalists and is new every Thursday online and in print in INtake Weekly.
Text by Steve Hayes
Tags: Bands of America, Elizabeth Cook, Fountain Square, Indianapolis, Otis Gibbs, Patie LaBelle, Sharon Jones, The Clash, The Cult, Tonic Ball1. Tonic Ball VI
8 PM, Friday November 16, Radio Radio & Fountain Square Theatre, $20
Tonic Ball VI arrives this week with the most disparate set of tribute artists the event has gathered to date. Over 30 acts representing a full spectrum of musical styles will pay tribute to The Clash at Radio Radio and Madonna for an all-ages crowd at the Fountain Theatre. Each act’s two-song set means you get to hear a classic tune from a tribute artist along with an original work by the bands. Proceeds benefit Second Helpings.
2. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
8 PM, Sunday November 18, The Vogue, $15
Whether you know it or not, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the music of the Dap Kings. The New York-based soul/R&B revivalists backed Amy Winehouse on much of her latest album, including her 2007 hit “Rehab.” The group made their name with their commitment to recreating the sound of 60’s and 70’s soul, funk, and R&B. The group brings their own diva, Georgia-born Sharon Jones, to front them for this show.
3. Patti LaBelle
8 PM, Friday November 16, Walker Theatre, $35 – 80
The Walker Theatre has stood as the cornerstone of the Indiana Avenue music scene from its jazz heydays until today. The theatre celebrates its 80th anniversary this week with a gala concert featuring Patti LaBelle. The soul singer has been in the spotlight for over 40 years. She’s not slowed down in recent years as she keeps up a steady performance schedule and has reportedly reformed her 70’s trio LaBelle for a reunion album.
4. Elizabeth Cook & Otis Gibbs
7 PM, Saturday November 17, Royal Theater, $18
Danville’s Royal Theater splits time between showing current and classic movies and serving as a live music venue. This week a pair of artists from the fringes of country, folk, and Americana take the stage. Elizabeth Cook brings her spunky alt-country sound that’s been compared to artists like Neko Case and Loretta Lynn. Local favorite Otis Gibbs, who recently relocated to Nashville, TN to further his music career, also performs.
5. The Cult
8:30 PM, Friday November 16, Egyptian Room, $32.50
The Cult mixed the hard rock riffs and swagger of Led Zeppelin with the mysticism of The Doors to win musical success in the 80’s and 90’s. Known for hits like “Love Removal Machine” and “Fire Woman,” the British group is currently on their second reunion with singer Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy at the helm of the group. The current reunion produced “Born Into This,” the group’s 8th album, earlier this year.
6. The New Duncan Imperials
9 PM, Wednesday November 21, Zanies Too
Celebrate the night before Thanksgiving with a band that was once one of Indy’s favorite visitors. Chicago’s New Duncan Imperials were once regulars on Indy’s club scene. Their witty song catalog and their unmatched fashion sense (featuring frayed straw hats and zebra stripe tuxedos) won them many local fans. The group makes their first Indy visit in many years with this show.
7. Ben Lee w/ Cary Brothers
9 PM, Friday November 16, Music Mill, $15Australian singer/songwriter Ben Lee may be one of the most frequent collaborators in the music business. His current record, “Ripe,” features appearances by Mandy Moore, Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins, The Heartbreakers’ Benmont Tench, and members of the bands Rooney and Good Charlotte. He’s also done work with Evan Dando, Ben Folds, and Kylie Minogue in the past. Lee has also won six ARIA Music Awards, the Australian equivalent of the Grammys. Cary Brothers opens.
8. Bands of America Grand National Championships
November 14 – 17, RCA Dome, Times & Prices Vary
The hard work of over 80 high school marching bands from throughout the US culminates this weekend with the Bands of America Grand Nationals. The three-day event kicks off Thursday with the champion crowned on Saturday night. 15 Indiana high schools, including several from Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, take part in the competition. Visit www.musicforall.org for schedule and a listing of participating bands.
9. Stefon Harris
8 PM, Saturday November 17, Loeb Playhouse, $26
Stefon Harris has rocketed to the forefront of the jazz world as not only one of the top vibraphonists in music, but also one of the music’s top composers. Over the course of six albums, Harris has collected numerous critical nods for his recordings, performance, and compositions. His most recent release, 2004’s “African Trantella,” is a collection of Duke Ellington’s composition rearranged around Harris’ vibraphone.
10. Demiricous, Dying Fetus, Cephalic Carnage, Skeletonwitch, The Absence
8 PM, Sunday November 18, Zanies Too
Indy metal band Demiricous is swiftly winning attention on the national scene. The group released their second album on Metal Blade Records, “Two (Poverty),” in October. They’ve spent all of November on a coast-to-coast tour opening for Dying Fetus. This homecoming stop comes before the tour heads south and west before finishing up on December 1. Cephalic Carnage, Skeletonwitch, The Absence round out the tour lineup.
